Social Issues

AP296695895542.jpg

**FILE** Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, speaks during the family leadership summit in Ames, Iowa, on Aug. 10, 2013. (Associated Press)

8_192013_social-conservatives-iowa-58201.jpg

Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, speaks during the family leadership summit this month in Ames, Iowa, where Republican presidential hopefuls try to impress Christian conservative voters. (Associated Press)

8_192013_republicans-rising-stars-38201.jpg

Republican Gov. Chris Christie, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, signed into law Aug. 19 a measure making New Jersey the second state to ban so-called gay conversion therapies. Defenders of the practice have vowed to continue the fight. (Associated Press)

8_192013_ap130624026798201.jpg

The cumulative budget surplus under Gov. Bob McDonnell has been the largest for any administration in state history. (associated press)

8_192013_b3-crouse-ap8201.jpg

Texas state troopers remove pro-abortion demonstrators from the Texas Senate gallery during debate on a pro-life bill July 12.

8_182013_ap1325467435398201.jpg

A "step-by-step approach is the way to do it with enforcement coming first," said Rep. Bob Goodlatte, Virginia Republican, regarding immigration reform. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Detroit Bankruptcy Cr_Live.jpg

**FILE** Protesters sit July 24, 2013, across the street from the federal courthouse in Detroit after a judge stopped any lawsuits challenging the city's bankruptcy. Aug. 19, 2013, is the deadline for a host of banks, bond insurers, two employee pension systems and others standing to lose big if a federal judge declares Detroit insolvent to legally file their objections to the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. (Associated Press)

Japan Egypt_Live.jpg

Egyptians living in Japan shout slogans during a demonstration in front of Egypt Embassy in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2013. About 150 Egyptians living in Japan gathered for the protest against the military-backed interim government led crackdowns on supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsi. (Associated Press)

Republicans Rising St_Live.jpg

Chairman of the Republican National Committee Reince Priebus (center) introduces a panel of RNC "Rising Stars," including Speaker of the House in Oklahoma T.W. Shannon (left) and New Hampshire state Rep. Marilinda Garcia during the Republican National Committee summer meeting in Boston on Aug. 15, 2013. The RNC formally renewed its minority outreach effort, introducing the first four members of the “Rising Stars” program designed to promote younger and more ethnically diverse Republicans leaders. (Associated Press)

AP106148234897.jpg

Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, reacts to a speech during the committee summer meeting on Aug. 15, 2013, in Boston. The RNC formally renewed its minority outreach effort, introducing the first four members of a “Rising Stars” program designed to promote younger and more ethnically diverse Republicans leaders. (Associated Press)